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Thursday, 28 February 2013

Richard III Blue Boar painting bought by university

A Victorian painting of Richard III in Leicester has
been bought by the university for more than £7,000.

The picture
shows the king outside the Blue Boar Inn, setting out to meet his fate at the
Battle of Bosworth.

The university
said it was important a work by a local artist depicting such a significant
moment in the region's history should be kept in the city.

Last year a
team from the University of Leicester discovered and later identified the
remains of Richard III.

The 1880
painting, by John Fulleylove, exceeded the £3,000 estimate and sold for £7,300.

Professor Sir
Robert Burgess, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, said: "I
am delighted that the University of Leicester has been able to acquire this
work of art.

"A picture
of Richard III at the Blue Boar Inn was a 'must have' for the University,
especially as it was painted by a local artist, and is an accurate portrayal of
the inn and links to our world-class research. It will be a valuable addition
to our art collection."

Richard III was
reputed to have stayed at the inn on 20 August 1485 before setting out to
Bosworth, where he was killed by the forces of the future Henry VII.

His body was
buried in a city church but the location was lost when the building was
demolished.

An exhibition
about the archaeological dig for Richard III's remains has attracted 15,000
visitors in its first two weeks.